How to remove Shop Tab browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Shop Tab?
Upon inspecting the Shop Tab browser extension, it became evident that it functions as a browser hijacker intended to promote shoptab.xyz, a fake search engine. Shop Tab alters a web browser's settings, effectively hijacking it. It is worth noting that many users unwittingly download and add applications like Shop Tab, unaware that such additions will lead to browser hijacking.
Shop Tab browser hijacker overview
Shop Tab is marketed as an application that provides exclusive shopping deals to enhance users' shopping experience. Once added, Shop Tab alters the browser's settings (such as the default search engine, homepage, and new tab), redirecting users' searches to shoptab.xyz, which in turn, redirects them to bing.com.
This manipulative tactic aims to give the illusion of legitimacy, while in reality, it exposes users to privacy risks and cyber threats. Shop Tab and shoptab.xyz may pose several dangers, including invasion of privacy through data collection, manipulated search results, loss of browser control, and exposure to unwanted advertisements.
Users must exercise caution when installing/adding browser extensions and review the permissions of added software to protect their online security and personal information effectively. Swiftly removing suspicious or untrusted extensions is essential to maintain a safe online browsing experience.
| Name | Shop Tab |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | Shop Tab |
| Supposed Functionality | Shopping offers |
| Promoted URL | shoptab.xyz |
| Detection Names (shoptab.xyz) | alphaMountain.ai (Suspicious), Forcepoint ThreatSeeker (Suspicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (shoptab.xyz) | 104.21.21.194 |
| Affected Browser Settings | Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine |
| Symptoms | Manipulated Internet browser settings (homepage, default Internet search engine, new tab settings). Users are forced to visit the hijacker's website and search the Internet using their search engines. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Browser hijackers in general
In conclusion, browser hijackers are deceptive and often persistent apps that can compromise users' online security and privacy. They often masquerade as useful applications, luring unsuspecting users into installing/adding them. Once installed/added, they alter browser settings, redirect search results, and track users' activities, leading to potential data breaches and other threats.
Examples of apps designed to hijack web browsers are InteriorDesignTab, CurrencyTrack, and My World Clock.
How did Shop Tab install on my computer?
Browser hijackers are commonly spread through deceptive tactics, primarily by being bundled with free software downloads, particularly those from untrustworthy sources. If users are not vigilant during installation, they may unintentionally install the hijacker alongside the desired software.
Furthermore, browser hijackers can also be distributed through malicious email attachments, deceptive advertisements, compromised websites, and fake software updates. Typically, users are tricked into downloading and installing or adding browser hijackers.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Download programs from reputable websites and official app stores. Avoid downloading applications from unfamiliar or suspicious sources as they might bundle browser hijackers or other unwanted apps. When installing software, pay close attention to the installation process. Opt for the "Custom" or "Advanced" (or similar) installation option, which allows you to deselect any additional software.
Avoid visiting questionable websites, especially those promoting pirated content or illegal downloads. Do not trust advertisements on dubious websites. Never agree to receive notifications from questionable sites. If your computer is already infected with Shop Tab, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Shoptab.xyz redirects to bing.com (GIF):
Permissions asked by Shop Tab browser hijacker:
Website promoting Shop Tab browser hijacker:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is Shop Tab?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Shop Tab application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Shop Tab browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove shoptab.xyz homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove shoptab.xyz redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Shop Tab browser hijacker removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window: look for any recently installed suspicious applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications (which cause browser redirects to the shoptab.xyz website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Shop Tab browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Shop Tab browser hijacker using Combo Cleaner:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "Shop Tab" and other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Change your homepage:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "Shop Tab", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.shoptab.xyz) below the "Open a specific or set of pages" option. If present click on the three vertical dots icon and select "Remove".
Change your default search engine:
To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings", in the "Search engine" section, click "Manage search engines...", in the opened list look for "shoptab.xyz", when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Delete".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the shoptab.xyz redirect, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "Shop Tab", as well as all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Change your homepage:
To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable "Shop Tab", remove hxxp://shoptab.xyz and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.
Change your default search engine:
In the URL address bar, type "about:config" and press Enter. Click "Accept the Risk and Continue".
In the search filter at the top, type: "extensionControlled". Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the 
button.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with shoptab.xyz redirect removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click Safari menu, then select Preferences...
In the preferences window select the Extensions tab. Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions and uninstall them.
In the preferences window select General tab and make sure that your homepage is set to a preferred URL, if its altered by a browser hijacker - change it.
In the preferences window select Search tab and make sure that your preferred Internet search engine is selected.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate any recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.
Change your homepage and new tab settings:
Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section look for the name of the browser hijacker and click "Disable".
Change your default Internet search engine:
To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Privacy and services", scroll to bottom of the page and select "Address bar". In the "Search engines used in address bar" section look for the name of the unwanted Internet search engine, when located click the "Disable" button near it. Alternatively you can click on "Manage search engines", in the opened menu look for unwanted Internet search engine. Click on the puzzle icon 
near it and select "Disable".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the shoptab.xyz redirect, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
A browser hijacker is a type of adware infection that modifies Internet browser settings by assigning the homepage and default Internet search engine settings to some other (unwanted) website URL. Commonly, this type of adware infiltrates operating systems through free software downloads. If your download is managed by a download client, ensure that you decline offers to install advertised toolbars or applications that seek to change your homepage and default Internet search engine settings.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on shoptab.xyz redirect or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users visit shoptab.xyz website?
The purpose of compelling users to visit the shoptab.xyz website is to increase web traffic, generating revenue for its creators.
Is visiting shoptab.xyz a threat to my privacy?
Fake search engines often engage in data collection practices, tracking users' search queries and browsing activities to gather personal information. Thus, visiting shoptab.xyz can lead to various issues.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers can infiltrate computers through multiple avenues, including freeware or shareware programs, files downloaded from untrustworthy sources, deceptive advertisements, and links found on fishy websites, among other methods.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Shop Tab browser hijacker?
In certain situations, manual removal might not be enough, especially when dealing with multiple browser hijackers that can reinstall one another. In such cases, these hijackers have to be removed simultaneously. Combo Cleaner is capable of removing all browser-hijacking applications from your computer or browser.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion